terribly stupid,Carb options

[steve_wicks]

At the risk of sounding terribly stupid, after all, I'm new to this BMW culture, but I want to ask why Bing carburettors are so popular when they seem so fiidly and tempremental.

Surely 2x alternative carburettors from something like a Yamaha XT 350 would work?

I've looked through lots of pages, but didn't see anything regarding what seems like a simple remedy to a common problem.

[fastcataz]

I have a box of Mikunis in my shed and during the time I have spent working on my Bings I have thought of a few ways to replace them. I was thinking about a pair of 32mm Mikys. Got the Bings working good but...
I have seen a R100 with aftermarket fuel injection, owner said it was a pricey conversion. His R100 ran very well. I think Mikunis would be a good choice. Next time the Bings mess up I will try them.

[MrRiden]

Steve,
As I explored the BMW culture for the first time one thing stood out. Many owners strive for keeping the bikes original. That said, You'll find a lot of really fine customization here on our disorganized forum mixed in with good OEM tips. Have a look around and you'll find that Mikuni conversions are not unheard of. I may have a set of Amals if you want to try that  . Have a look here I'm sure you ll spot some non standard options.
http://www.rockerboxer.com/garage.html
rich

[Ed Miller]

I don't find Bings fiddly, though I had one that was just defective.  Once I set them up they're good for a really long time.

[montmil]

... I may have a set of Amals if you want to try that  .  rich

Amals! You mean those old "metered leaks" that were on my vintage Turnip back in my undergraduate days?

They were truly old. The "tickler" button was held down until the carb overflowed fuel; then it was time to say a quick prayer to Lucas, The Prince of Darkness and hope she would light off and get me to class on time.

Lord, I do miss those days...       Monte

[nhmaf]

I don't think that the Bings are very fiddly either - a bit different from the typical Japanese carbs of the same time period, but I don't think that they are inferior.   They are generally pretty reliable once properly setup.  The most popular alternate carb choice on many "performance-tweaked" bikes are to go with the Mikunis.    I've seen some bikes with them work well, and some not so well - though I am sure that was a matter of the person not having the Mikunis properly adjusted.   You'll find that most BMW airheads keep running their Bings and will have plenty of knowledge & help (and spare parts, if needed) where ever you find 1 or 2 of them together.   They won't snub you for running Mikunis, but they likely won't be able to give you much help or any spare parts if you are in a pinch on the side of the road, etc.  One of the attractions of these bikes is that so many parts/components are interchangeable, or at least similar, among so many model years.

[Altritter]

From montmil: <<then it was time to say a quick prayer to Lucas, The Prince of Darkness and hope she would light off and get me to class on time. >>

"Light off" and not "light up" the bike by arcing over into raw petrol?  

[Ed Miller]

Older slide Bings have ticklers too.  Come to think of it, I don't find the Amals on my Triumph to be finicky either.  I rode it the other week for the first time since November.  Tickle the carbs, kick the motor through once, turn the ignition on, and it started first kick.  Like normal.  

[Lucky_Lou]

Theres plenty of strombergs on ebay if i dont get my bings set up properly soon i think i may go down that route just need to knock up a flange spigot to fit the outlet the inlet is the same and they are handed L and R the diaphragms and jets are inter changable as far as i am aware.
Lou

[steve_wicks]

I've sent my bike for a carb set-up, also the rear oil seal leaks so that will be changed and depending on whether or not I need to sell my mother in law's dentures to finance it, I might fit an aftermarket sidestand.

I don't think I like those Bings (find them 'constantly depressing') but maybe its because I don't understand them ..... yet!

[Semper Gumby]

<snip>
I don't think I like those Bings (find them 'constantly depressing') but maybe its because I don't understand them ..... yet!

Steve,

You must become One with the Zen of the Bings.  I highly recommend the carb manual from the Bingagency in Kansas.  It will greatly increase your understanding.  Also consult the Snowbum and the Oak for further understanding.

Resistance is futile.

Snowbum -   http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/techindex.htm
Bing Agency - http://www.bingcarburetor.com/manual.html  
Oak -  www.airheads.org

Duane Ausherman - http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/  (Not R65 specific but interesting reading nevertheless)

[steve_wicks]

WOW ..... rear oil seal turned out to be a complete new clutch, diaphragm, press plate etc, new gearbox oil seals, output shaft and change all fluids & filter cost me just over $1100 ..... more than the bike.

But its done now so I'll make friends with those silly carbs.

Now it hunts at a constant throttle - almost like its running out of fuel - only does it after about 15 min of riding??

[montmil]

...Now it hunts at a constant throttle - almost like its running out of fuel - only does it after about 15 min of riding??

Uh oh. Could be another vent stopped-up fuel tank cap thread.  

Try the search engine. Lots of info. I was a victim last year.

Monte

[nhmaf]

A possibility all right - if you ride the bike and it starts to do this, pull over (keep engine running) and just loosen the fuel tank cap a bit.   If the bike runs fine after this, then it is indeed the fuel cap vent problem - otherwise, there are a number of things to check.

At least with those seals and clutch replaced, you should not have to worry about any of those bits for a long time - so consider it a bit of an insurance policy...

[Motu]

I don't find the Bings any trouble either - I like the way the diaphragms can be changed so easily,just like the CD Stromberg.....and unlike Japanese carbs where you have to buy a complete new slide.I fitted new throttle cables awhile ago,and it seems I fiddled around after every ride adjusting them....but all seems sweet now.

I have some (several) Blue Magnums - a couple are 34mm and I set them up for my XS650.I think they would work very well on the R65.Something to try out later on....